Harvest for the Hungry Food Pantry Director Diane Porter said a sharp increase in the number of people served in January all but depleted the pantry’s stockpile and donations and contributions are desperately needed.

“Generally there is a dip in the number of people we serve in January,” she said. “But this January we served 2,400 people because of the snow and freezing temperatures. Last year we served 500 people in January.”

This Saturday the pantry is partnering with Stoker Bar-B-Que for a fundraiser to benefit families in need. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, which is National Pig Day, Stoker’s will sell barbeque sandwiches and loin strips in the pantry’s parking lot at Fifth and Railroad streets in Ironton.

Tickets for $5 each or three for $10 sold at the fundraiser can be redeemed for food.